With the brickwork mostly done, it was time to finish the upper portions of the exterior walls. I have yet to tackle the hinged back wall other than to cut a new board, but that should likely be added at the end for the best fit. Since I’ve been taking the building in and out of dry fit, I had many errant pencil marks for trim placement. To make my final markings, I used colored lead for my mechanical pencil so I could differentiate the final lines from the previous mess. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
I used yellow frog tape for the lower edge since I thought it would be easier on the brickwork. Masking tape might lift the finish on the brick, but there was no reason not to use it around the remaining areas. I wasn’t worried about crisp paint lines, but I did want some bare mdf for better trim adhesion later.
No process pics, but the stucco is a relatively easy though fickle finish. I spread spackling over the two walls where I filled in openings; the other two I left plain. After it dried, I sanded the areas smooth. The walls didn’t have to be completely flat. I just needed to mask the window outlines so their halos wouldn’t be seen later. Next up was a coat of Americana White Birch. This is a satin paint, so it has a lovely sheen once dry. I tapped the paint on with the flat side of a foam brush to achieve a light stucco finish. Once dry, I touched up any areas that needed it and removed the tape.
While working on the stucco, I stained the trim pieces Minwax Jacobean. I love this rich, dark chocolate brown. I’m usually a white trim gal. It was then time to get out of dry fit!!! Always a momentous occasion with all the worry that I’ve not done something I should have while the walls were flat. Of course, I’ve left the new front wall unattached since I do need to work on that one flat.
After gluing the main trims in place came the task of measuring and cutting the upright timbers. I had a pattern in mind, but I wanted to see the uprights alone before making any final decisions. I evenly spaced the boards on the short side, opting for narrow spaces.
On the long side, I trimmed above the window for uniformity but followed a similar look as the short side for the rest of the wall.
I will try out a few patterns to see if I want anything beyond this, though I already love the look and will most likely leave it as is.
I left the porch simple so it doesn’t get lost and will be easier to decorate. The door frame has been stained to match the trims, but I am still deciding on a door color. I painted the porch ceiling stucco white so it would brighten the space.
